The above snapshot of a Los Angeles river may look self-explanatory; however it's much more than one may perceive it to be. As The Borgen Project noted it, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a "problematic heap of floating artificial waste" that thrives in the Pacific Ocean and accounts as the highest plastic-enriched pollution. What's more alarming about this horrendous sight is the fact that it originates not too far from the United States, more specifically the heavily populated state California.
(Pictured right: two horrifying images of an injured turtle and a dissected seabird present the danger of pollutant infiltration in marine life)
The garbage patch issue stems back to the late 1980's; where the then-new phenomenon produced various PSA's and networking programs to help spread word of the crisis. As a child, I recalled various '90's beloved kid programs like Captain Planet and Gullah Gullah Island addressing the horrid issue alongside similar matters. Unfortunately, media awareness failed to accumulate vast attention, resulting in minimal to no assistance in levitating the pollution. Progressively, the aftermath has resulted in large amounts of trash; largely affecting marine animals' habitat and food supply.
Now, as of August 2014, disaster has further increased. According to NBC News, the size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has grown to a hundred more miles, and has outweighed sporadic garbage patches among other major oceans. Yes, sadly and devastatingly other garbage patches exist. However, in recent times, two brave individuals plan to resolve the matter step-by-step.
Last year it was reported that youth volunteer Boyan Salt devised an effective system that could collect vast amounts of plastic debris from ocean currents. His involvement generated viral buzz in his commitment of restoring clean quality to oceans after viewing "more trash than fish" at a Greek main. Excitingly, another individual has come forward to help free oceans of pollutants.
On February 19, 2015, international geologist Martin Stuchty and fellow organization McKinsey’s Center for Business and Environment announced plans to tackle the debris of plastic infiltrating ocean waters. Both Stuchty and the organization are currently engaged in deliberated talks with communities that show high interest in minimizing the garbage patches.
Further updates will be included as Stuchty's amongst others' involvement develops. For an expansive insight and backstory on the treacherous garbage patch, please view the following extraordinary video:
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